Tag: institutions

Postdoctoral Fellow Position in Organization Theory, Institutional Change and Education

On By Jessica UrzúaIn Announcements, Fellowship, postdocsLeave a comment

The Harvard University Graduate School of Education invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow Position with Dr. Ebony Bridwell-Mitchell, the Herbert A. Simon Professor in Education, Management, and Organizational Behavior. The position is part of a grant-funded project combining theories of organizations, institutions, and education reform.

The project examines the extent to which the use of research evidence and epistemology is a catalyst for institutional change in persistently low-performing school organizations often designated for ‘turnaround’.

Position Details:

  • Appointment: Full-time, in-person (Cambridge, MA)
  • Term: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027
  • Salary: $82,000 (12-month appointment, full benefits)
  • Application review begins: November 10, 2025 (rolling basis)

Qualifications:

  • Ph.D. in Education, Organization and Management Theory, Organizational Behavior, Organizational Sociology, Sociology of Education or similar by the position start date.
  • Strong background in qualitative and quantitative research methods, solid understanding of experimental design and program evaluation.
  • Experience collaborating with schools and districts or other organizations in the field, such as state education agencies and technical assistance organizations.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead research projects independently, work collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams and thrive with emergent work processes.
  • Strong project management skills; experience with conference or event planning is a strong plus.
  • Commitment to executing work to the highest standards of excellence.

Application Instructions:
Applicants should review the W.T. Grant–funded research project proposal and submit the following materials via Interfolio: https://apply.interfolio.com/175715:

  1. A 2–3-page reflection on the project’s theoretical motivation, empirical strategy, and implications
  2. A 1–2-page cover letter outlining relevant expertise and experience
  3. A curriculum vitae
  4. Names of three references (letters not required at the initial stage)

For full details, see the complete position announcement (PDF).

For inquiries, please contact Dr. Bridwell-Mitchell’s faculty coordinator kyla_painter@gse.harvard.edu.

Learn more about Dr. Bridwell-Mitchell’s work:

New Publication: “Mapping Organizational Theory With SCRIPTS” by Jose Eos Trinidad

On By Neha JangetiIn Announcements, PublicationsLeave a comment

Trinidad, Jose Eos. 2025. “Mapping Organizational Theory with SCRIPTS.” Sociology Compass, OnlineFirst: 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1111/soc4.70059.

Abstract: Organizational theory has developed in numerous directions that have been difficult to integrate. This review synthesizes them into seven perspectives, with theories focused within and beyond the organization (i.e., intra- and extra-organizational dynamics). It proposes the acronym SCRIPTS: structure, culture, relations, institutions, professions, transformation, and social conflict. Within organizations, structure focuses on theories of bureaucracy, management, routines, and decision-making, while culture focuses on shared values, identity, climate, and sensemaking. Relations involve studies of interpersonal and interorganizational networks. Institutions focus on the macro-dynamics of fields and isomorphism, and micro-dynamics of entrepreneurship and inhabited institutions. Professions refer to psychological factors shaping individual performance and sociological factors shaping work and occupations. Transformation involves episodic and gradual changes within organizations and across society. Social conflict involves power and competition, with key theories focused on gendered, racialized, and global inequalities. This paper introduces theories and concepts in the study of organizations by grouping similar perspectives, highlighting their domains within or beyond the organization, and underscoring their utility for researchers and leaders.